SOUTHERN PINES, NC - Offensive lineman Bryce Kennedy and Pinecrest High in Southern Pines, N.C., opened up their 2011 season with a hard-fought 28-14 loss to traditional state power Jack Britt High from Fayetteville, N.C.

The Patriots proved they could go toe to toe with Britt, but costly turnovers and mistakes doomed Pinecrest in their upset bid.

"It just felt good for first game," Kennedy said. "We have to get better, hang onto the ball better. The line has to block better. The defense did their thing, we just got to score more. We can't give up, we just got to keep doing our thing. It's going to be hard, but we just got to keep our heads up and keep on going."